Spring Break past and present

April 4, 2012 8:33 AM

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FILE - In this March 15, 2012 file photo, navy sailors patrol as people sun bathe on the beach during spring break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal, File) (AP) less

FILE - In this March 15, 2012 file photo, navy sailors patrol as people sun bathe on the beach during spring break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, ... more

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people dance at a bar during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal) (AP) less

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people dance at a bar during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest ... more

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people dance at a bar during Spring... Photo-2776849.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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In this March 10, 2012 photo, people hang out on the beach during spring break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal) (AP) less

In this March 10, 2012 photo, people hang out on the beach during spring break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the ... more

In this March 10, 2012 photo, people hang out on the beach during... Photo-2776850.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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In this March 7, 2012 photo, a woman drinks at a bar during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal) (AP) less

In this March 7, 2012 photo, a woman drinks at a bar during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest ... more

In this March 7, 2012 photo, a woman drinks at a bar during Spring... Photo-2776851.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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In this March 7, 2012 photo, people kiss at a bar during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal) (AP) less

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people kiss at a bar during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest ... more

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people kiss at a bar during Spring... Photo-2776852.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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In this March 7, 2012 photo, people bury eachother in the sand on the beach during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. (AP Photo/Israel Leal) (AP) less

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people bury eachother in the sand on the beach during Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. While American tourism to Mexico slipped a few percentage points last year, the country remains ... more

In this March 7, 2012 photo, people bury eachother in the sand on... Photo-2776853.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 8: (U.S. TABS OUT) Singer Mario performs onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 8, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 8: (U.S. TABS OUT) Singer Mario performs onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 8, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 9: (U.S. TABS OUT) MTV VJ Damien Fahey appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 9, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 9: (U.S. TABS OUT) MTV VJ Damien Fahey appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 9, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 9: (U.S. TABS OUT) Singer Omarion (L), VJ Vanessa Minnillo, and actor Nick Cannon pose for a photo onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 9, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 9: (U.S. TABS OUT) Singer Omarion (L), VJ Vanessa Minnillo, and actor Nick Cannon pose for a photo onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Rapper Ludacris performs onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Rapper Ludacris performs onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Spring breakers take part in a game onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Spring breakers take part in a game onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Model Paris Hilton appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Model Paris Hilton appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Model Paris Hilton appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Model Paris Hilton appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) MTV VJ Susie Castillo appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) MTV VJ Susie Castillo appears onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Spring breakers take part in a game onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Spring breakers take part in a game onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by ... more

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actor Jimmy Fallon beats up a giant pinata onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

CANCUN, MEXICO - MARCH 10: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actor Jimmy Fallon beats up a giant pinata onstage during a taping for MTV Spring Break on the beach at The City nightclub March 10, 2005 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo ... more

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring break, have fun in the swimming pool of a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 21, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Claudio Vargas (Photo credit should read CLAUDIO VARGAS/AFP/Getty Images) (CLAUDIO VARGAS / AFP/Getty Images) less

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring break, have fun in the swimming pool of a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 21, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Claudio Vargas (Photo credit should read ... more

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring... Photo-2777775.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring break, have fun in the swimming pool of a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 21, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Claudio Vargas (Photo credit should read CLAUDIO VARGAS/AFP/Getty Images) (CLAUDIO VARGAS / AFP/Getty Images) less

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring break, have fun in the swimming pool of a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 21, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Claudio Vargas (Photo credit should read ... more

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring... Photo-2777776.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring break, have fun in the swimming pool of a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 21, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Claudio Vargas (Photo credit should read CLAUDIO VARGAS/AFP/Getty Images) (CLAUDIO VARGAS / AFP/Getty Images) less

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring break, have fun in the swimming pool of a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, on March 21, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Claudio Vargas (Photo credit should read ... more

TO GO WITH AFP STORY Hundreds of US students enjoying their spring... Photo-2777777.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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ROSARITO, MEXICO - APRIL 1: Carol Arthur (R) and Tammy Delu, from Seattle, sit at a bar along the beach April 1, 2009 in Rosarito, Mexico. The tourist industry in some northern Mexican resort towns is feeling the effects of the ongoing drug war, as students from the U.S. are curtailing their spring break plans and traveling domestically instead. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) (Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images) less

ROSARITO, MEXICO - APRIL 1: Carol Arthur (R) and Tammy Delu, from Seattle, sit at a bar along the beach April 1, 2009 in Rosarito, Mexico. The tourist industry in some northern Mexican resort towns is feeling ... more

ROSARITO, MEXICO - APRIL 1: A horse rental vendor waits for customers along the beach April 1, 2009 in Rosarito, Mexico. The tourist industry in some northern Mexican resort towns is feeling the effects of the ongoing drug war, as students from the U.S. are curtailing their spring break plans and traveling domestically instead.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) (Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images) less

ROSARITO, MEXICO - APRIL 1: A horse rental vendor waits for customers along the beach April 1, 2009 in Rosarito, Mexico. The tourist industry in some northern Mexican resort towns is feeling the effects of ... more

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez (Photo credit should read JOSE DOMINGUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) (JOSE DOMINGUEZ / AFP/Getty Images) less

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez ... more

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in... Photo-2777780.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez (Photo credit should read JOSE DOMINGUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) (JOSE DOMINGUEZ / AFP/Getty Images) less

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez ... more

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in... Photo-2777781.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez (Photo credit should read JOSE DOMINGUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) (JOSE DOMINGUEZ / AFP/Getty Images) less

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez ... more

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in... Photo-2777782.41261 - Houston Chronicle

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Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez (Photo credit should read JOSE DOMINGUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) (JOSE DOMINGUEZ / AFP/Getty Images) less

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, on March 22, 2010. Thousands of American students enjoy the spring break by going to Mexican beaches. AFP PHOTO/Jose Dominguez ... more

Springbreakers -- US students on holidays -- play on the beach in... Photo-2777783.41261 - Houston Chronicle